10+ Best Catholic Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for enriching Catholic books for 7-year-olds that will captivate their imagination while nurturing their faith? You've come to the right place! In this blog, we’ve rounded up a delightful selection of reads perfect for young Catholic readers. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists of Catholic books that are sure to inspire and educate the little ones in your life.

Fun Catholic Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith by Josephine Nobisso, illustrated by Katalin Szegedi
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: When a poor widow begs for a scrap of bread from a local baker, she promises to trade it for the value of a Mass. The baker mockingly agrees, only to find that the weight of the Mass is more than he ever imagined.
  • Why we recommend this book: This beautifully illustrated story teaches the power and value of faith in a simple, relatable way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with moral lessons and those interested in faith-based narratives.

• Brother Francis of Assisi by Tomie dePaola
  • Genre(s): Biography, Religious
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, showing his devotion to God and his special connection with animals.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to the life of a saint, illustrated in a warm and accessible style that appeals to children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animal stories and learning about historical figures through engaging narratives.

• Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times by Meghan Bausch, illustrated by Becky Fawson
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Religious
  • Synopsis: This collection of poems features modern saints and their virtues, presented in a fun, rhyming format that's easy for kids to understand and enjoy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about saints and virtues fun and memorable through catchy rhymes and colorful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy poetry and those looking for a playful way to explore religious themes.

• The Adventures of Loupio, Volume 1: The Encounter and Other Stories by Jean-François Kieffer
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Adventure, Religious
  • Synopsis: Set in the Middle Ages, this graphic novel follows the adventures of Loupio, a young orphan who meets Saint Francis of Assisi and learns important life lessons.
  • Why we recommend this book: The engaging graphic novel format and exciting adventures make this a great choice for encouraging reluctant readers to enjoy reading.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventure stories and those interested in historical and religious settings.

• The Children’s Book of Saints by Louis M. Savary
  • Genre(s): Religious, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book presents the stories of various saints in a manner that is accessible and engaging for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides inspirational stories of men and women who led extraordinary lives dedicated to faith, making it a great tool for teaching history and values.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about history and those who enjoy stories of heroes and role models.

Educational Catholic Books for 7-Year-Olds

• My First Catechism: The Catholic Faith for Little Ones by Christine Pedotti
  • Genre(s): Religious, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces the fundamentals of the Catholic faith to young children in a clear and simple way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic religious education, understanding of Catholic practices and beliefs
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex teachings into concepts that are easy to understand for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young children beginning to explore their Catholic faith.

• A Missal for Toddlers by Juliette Levivier, illustrated by Claire Fauvel
  • Genre(s): Religious, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This book is a simplified introduction to the Mass for toddlers, featuring interactive elements and colorful illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Familiarity with the Mass, early religious rituals
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and visually appealing, making the Mass more accessible and engaging for young children.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and young children attending Mass with their families.

• The Life of Jesus for Children by Mary Billingsley
  • Genre(s): Religious, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Jesus Christ through beautiful illustrations and simple text tailored for children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of Jesus' life and teachings, moral and spiritual development
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gentle and appropriate introduction to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
  • Perfect for: Young children learning about Jesus for the first time.

• Saints for Boys: A First Book for Little Catholic Boys by Fr. Lovasik S.V.D.
  • Genre(s): Religious, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young boys to the lives of saints who serve as role models for living out their faith.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of saintly virtues, inspirational models of faith
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers relatable stories of male saints that can inspire young boys to live virtuously.
  • Perfect for: Young boys looking for role models in their religious journey.

• Saints for Girls: A First Book for Little Catholic Girls by Fr. Lovasik S.V.D.
  • Genre(s): Religious, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book features stories of female saints who exemplify strength, virtue, and faith, tailored for young girls.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of saintly virtues, inspirational models of faith
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights female saints as role models, encouraging young girls to pursue a life of faith and virtue.
  • Perfect for: Young girls seeking examples of strong, faithful women to emulate.

Challenging Catholic Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis de Montfort
  • Genre(s): Religious, Devotional
  • Synopsis: This classic book explains the power and significance of the Rosary, offering insights and meditations on this important Catholic prayer.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text delves into complex theological concepts and the history of the Rosary, which can be intellectually stimulating for advanced young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep understanding of a fundamental Catholic practice, enhancing both spiritual growth and prayer life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in deepening their religious practices and understanding of Catholic traditions.

• The Little Flower: The Story of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus by Mary Fabyan Windeatt
  • Genre(s): Biography, Religious
  • Synopsis: This biography details the life of Saint Therese of Lisieux, focusing on her "Little Way" of spiritual childhood.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes of spirituality and personal sacrifice through the detailed life of a saint.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires virtues like humility and simplicity, while presenting the life of a saint in a way that is relatable to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy biographies and are interested in the lives of saints.

• The Donkey That No One Could Ride by Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming tale tells the story of a weak, small donkey chosen by Jesus to carry Him into Jerusalem, highlighting themes of transformation and purpose.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates poetic language and biblical references that require a higher level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values such as self-worth and divine purpose in an engaging, story-driven format.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate stories with moral lessons and those exploring biblical narratives.

• Joseph's Donkey by Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Juliana Kolesova
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This story focuses on the life of Saint Joseph, as seen through the eyes of his faithful donkey, providing a unique perspective on the Holy Family.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book offers a nuanced look at biblical events, encouraging readers to think about familiar stories from different viewpoints.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of biblical characters, wrapped in a charming and imaginative narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal characters and learning about the Bible through innovative storytelling.

• A Travel Guide to Heaven for Kids by Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Erwin Madrid
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers on a whimsical tour of Heaven, using Scripture and Catholic teachings to describe the beauties and joys that await believers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses theological concepts of the afterlife in a vivid, imaginative setting, challenging young minds to visualize and understand profound spiritual ideas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses questions about Heaven in a fun, engaging way, sparking curiosity and comfort about the afterlife.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about Heaven and those who enjoy creative, visually stimulating stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits through engaging with Catholic books, you've come to the right place. Here are some simple and effective exercises that can make reading both a fun and spiritually enriching activity. These exercises are designed to be easy to follow and enjoyable for young readers.

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages a regular reading routine and makes reading a special time.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.

• Read and Reflect
  • What it is: Read a passage and discuss its meanings and implications.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and instills deeper understanding of the material.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that inspire thoughtful responses.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces story recall and stimulates creativity.
  • Tips: Provide colorful markers, crayons, and paper to make this activity more inviting.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with family or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the story, and makes reading interactive.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the activity more fun and engaging.

• Story Mapping
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story’s events.
  • How it helps: Helps with sequencing and understanding the structure of stories.
  • Tips: Use large paper and markers to draw the map and add details as you read.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair up with a parent, sibling, or a friend to read together.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a shared, social activity, which can be more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Choose specific days and times for reading sessions to ensure consistency.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a multi-dimensional experience that can benefit your child's development in many ways. By incorporating these activities into your child’s routine, you’ll help them not only improve their reading skills but also their understanding and appreciation of Catholic teachings. Happy reading!